After the murder of her son, Khaaliq, Dorothy took both her personal and professional experiences as a grief and loss counselor to guide others towards healing. She founded Mothers in Charge, an organization against violence in Philadelphia.
The ability to maintain relationships with friends and family through the Internet helps reduce depression by 20 percent for older adults who actively communicate online. These are the findings of internet Use and Depression Among the Elderly, a Policy Paper that surveyed 7,000 retired Americans 55 years or older. In addition, connecting with social supports online may actually work to trim the nation's health care bill with less money spent on doctor's visits and medications.
The computer is playing a more important role for older adults than just finding bargains or paying bills. Social networking has become a lifesaver... and a lifeline... for the many people who live alone and are looking for new connections, new friends, and a new sense of purpose.
No need to be defensive about your online social networking expertise. A recent report from Forrester Research indicates that while it might be tempting to categorize all aging Americans as "techno-dinosaurs" and "Luddites", more than 60 percent of Boomers are avid consumers of social media like blogs, forums, podcasts and online videos... and enjoy taking part in polls, ranking favorites, and adding critiques of services or news stories. Facebook, anyone?
